New pound coins and plastic £5 notes have already gone into circulation and the £10 will be out on Thursday. Here is everything you need to know about the new note.

The new £10 note will feature English novelist Jane Austen with the image taken from a portrait which was commissioned after her death. As well as the author’s portrait, the note will feature a quote from Pride and Prejudice when Miss Bingley said: “I declare after all there is no enjoyment but reading!”

The note will also feature an image of Godmersham Park, which was the home of Edward Austen Knight, Austen’s brother, and is thought to be the inspiration behind many of her novels.

There will also be two clusters of raised dots in the top left hand corner of the note. This tactile feature helps blind and partially sighted people identify the value of the note.

Why Jane Austen?

The note is being launched on the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death in 1817.

When Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, announced the novelist was appearing on the note, he said: “Jane Austen certainly merits a place in the select group of historical figures to appear on our banknotes.

“Her novels have an enduring and universal appeal, and she is recognised as one of the greatest writers in English literature.”

What will the note be made of?

It will be made of polymer - the same as the Winston Churchill £5 note. It is claimed this material is cleaner, more secure and lasts longer than paper notes.

But the Bank of England has so far refused to bow to pressure to make the note tallow-free, despite anger from vegans and vegetarians.

What happens to the old £10 note?

Consumers and businesses can continue to use the old £10 note, featuring Charles Darwin, until spring 2018 when it will be phased out.

The old notes will then no longer be legal tender and cannot be used to pay for goods and services. Banks may exchange them for a short period of time.